President’s Office Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) has said that the administration is not required to provide a written explanation for barring Adhadhu and its journalists from presidential press conferences.
Responding to a question from Dhauru journalist Mohamed Muzayyin regarding whether the ban was indefinite, the spokesperson clarified that it was not. However, he noted that Adhadhu journalists would remain barred until "their criminal proceedings are concluded and a verdict is reached," adding that the decision would be reviewed once the legal process ends.
When pressed by Muzayyin on the refusal to provide a written response regarding the measures, the spokesperson remarked, "Why should we give them whatever they want in writing?" He further asserted that "there is nothing written in the Gazette stating that this must be provided in writing."
In response to the journalist’s observation that administrative actions typically require written notification, the spokesperson said, "Check the regulations; it will be exactly according to the rules, word for word. We have also sought legal counsel."
However, Article 43(b) of the Constitution stipulates that anyone whose rights are affected by an administrative action has the right to receive written reasons for that decision.
When another journalist pointed out that the criminal proceedings involve individual journalists rather than the news organization itself, the spokesperson avoided a direct answer, stating, "I am not getting into that."
"I do not believe this was a measure taken against a media outlet for fulfilling its journalistic responsibilities," he added.
The spokesperson’s remarks appear to contradict established administrative and legal procedures. To date, the President’s Office has failed to respond to three separate letters sent by Adhadhu regarding the ban on its journalists.
Adhadhu sent its most recent letter last Thursday, following the President’s Office's continued silence on the matter.
The letter, signed by CEO Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, noted that the outlet had twice requested formal written documentation of the decision to exclude its journalists from press briefings.
According to the outlet, after receiving no response to a letter sent on May 18, a follow-up was sent on July 9 to Dr. Mohamed Mahid Shareef, head of the Citizens’ Complaints Bureau, which was established to manage public grievances.
With Adhadhu journalists barred from the President’s Office press events for over four months, the news outlet has characterized the move as an unjust and extra-legal decision.
The outlet further noted that while they intend to escalate the matter to national and international bodies, the President’s Office's refusal to provide a written response has effectively blocked their path to seeking legal redress.
Triggered by a Question
The President’s Office took action against Adhadhu following a question posed by journalist Mohamed Shahuzan during a press conference attended by President Muizzu on May 11. Following the question, Muizzu ordered the journalist’s removal, alleging a violation of a "gag order" issued by the Criminal Court regarding the Aisha documentary.
Adhadhu was informed via a WhatsApp media group that they were barred. The outlet’s journalists have also been excluded from a new media coordination group created later.
CEO Fiyaz stated that this is a deliberate attempt to obstruct press freedom and the outlet’s work. According to the President’s Office, this "suspension" will remain in effect until the conclusion of criminal charges currently pending in the Criminal Court against Fiyaz and Editor Hassan Mohamed. Both have denied the charges during the preliminary stages of the trial.
